Ferrari GTC4Lusso

The New Ferrari GTC4Lusso

We knew the special Ferrari FF was due to be replaced or at least refreshed. We wondered to what degree as well as what new improvements from a technical or “thunder” it would have. Well we now have our first official look at the new model.

The 2016 Geneva Auto Show will be the official coming out party for the new Ferrari GTC4Lusso.

I personally have never taken a full liking to the looks of the Ferrari FF. I still can’t get it lodged in my head that there is a “station wagon” or shooting brake version of ANY F-Car. That being said, I honestly have to say that whenever I see one in person, live on the street; it wasn’t all that bad. It is truly a larger vehicle than it appears in photographs. It has its special place in the lineup. It can truly be seen as a “daily driver” amongst the other models. Especially when you consider it has power to all wheels.

This new model is an evolutionary refresh of the FF. It looks pretty good as it carries the traditional genes in it’s design. The rear lights are a bit different but its okay.

One thing I am ecstatic about is the design of the interior package. This is one of if not THE most beautiful interior design of any supercar I’ve seen. Well maybe with the exception of the Bugatti Veyron. In any event it’s wonderful.

We are looking forward to seeing this new GTC4Lusso in other hues and configurations. I don’t doubt it will be smashing.

Here is the text of the official press release from Ferrari.

THE FERRARI GTC4LUSSO DEBUTS AT THE GENEVA SHOW

Class-leading performance, versatility in all driving conditions, sublime elegance.
A unique car, a whole new world.

Maranello, 8 February 2016 – Ferrari announces the addition to its range of the Ferrari GTC4Lusso, the new four-seater which hails a major evolution of the sporting Grand Tourer concept by integrating rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive for the first time.

This is a car designed for clients wanting to experience the pleasure of driving a Ferrari anywhere, anytime, be it on short spins or long journeys, snowy mountain roads or city streets, alone or in the company of three lucky passengers. Drivers who demand exceptional power but refuse to compromise on in-car comfort, sporty elegance and impeccable detailing. In short, the GTC4Lusso brings unprecedented versatility to Ferrari driving, like the FF before it which won the Prancing Horse a new, younger client base that, significantly, also makes greater use of its cars, clocking up 30% higher mileage than average.

The GTC4Lusso’s name references illustrious predecessors, such as the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT – one of Enzo Ferrari’s favourites – and the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, which represented a sublime combination of elegance and high performance. The number 4 alludes to the car’s four comfortable seats.

Engine
The GTC4Lusso’s 12-cylinder engine delivers smooth, consistent power, punching out a massive 690 cv at 8,000 rpm. Both its 2.6 kg/cv weight-to-power ratio and its 13.5:1 compression ratio set new records for the category. Maximum torque is 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm with 80% already available at just 1,750 rpm for superb responsiveness even at low revs. The soundtrack brilliantly reflects the car’s multifaceted personality: it is rich and powerful in performance driving and discreet yet harmonious in the city.

Dynamics
The Ferrari GTC4Lusso is an exceptionally versatile car in every kind of grip condition thanks to the Ferrari-patented 4RM Evo four-wheel drive system which is integrated with rear-wheel steering for the first time. The result is the newly-patented 4RM-S (four-wheel drive and steering) system which, based on yet another exclusive Prancing Horse patent, the latest evolution of the Slip Side Control (4.0) system, now incorporates the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the SCM-E dampers. All these sophisticated vehicle dynamics controls are seamlessly integrated by Ferrari’s proprietary software and enable the driver to effortlessly handle the GTC4Lusso’s extraordinary torque even on snow-covered, wet or low grip roads. The result is tremendous stability and a sensation of masterful control and security that translates into superior performance. The new-generation SCM-E damper control also contributes to improving performance on rough surfaces and, of course, to superior ride comfort.

The GTC4Lusso’s high levels of performance are also due in part to new aerodynamic solutions, not least a new front grille with integrated air intakes to improve the efficiency of the radiating masses, the air vents on the wing that recall those of the 330 GTC, a roof-mounted rear spoiler and a new triple-fence diffuser. The combined effect of these features is a Cd value that is substantially lower than on the FF.

Style
Penned by Ferrari Design, the GTC4Lusso is a further refinement of the shooting brake coupé, reinterpreting the concept with an extremely streamlined, tapered shape that gives it an almost fastback-like silhouette.

Its sporty soul is underscored by the forms and styling of the rear where the curve of the roof has been lowered whilst retaining enough volume to guarantee exceptional space and comfort for all four occupants, as well as an ample luggage compartment. Ferrari’s signature twin rear lights adorn the tail. These not only emphasise the car’s muscular shoulders and broaden it horizontally, but work visually with the tail pipes to lend a sense of imposing power to the rear. Dynamically chiselled crease lines create a diapason theme along the car’s flanks, breaking up the optical mass, accentuating the muscular wheelarch and imparting a sculpted athleticism.

Interior
Meticulous attention to design and carefully executed detailing has produced a cabin that is a flawless triumph of sporty luxury. Its Dual Cockpit architecture is another first, designed to enhance the shared driving experience for both driver and passenger, with the latter having their own generous optional display with a plethora of functions.

That innovative architecture aside, the cabin’s most striking feature is the beautiful craftsmanship of the materials, which have been painstakingly selected and combined to enrich the atmosphere on board.
Generous wraparound seats guarantee all four occupants exceptional comfort and room, creating the same ambience as a luxurious living space.
The GTC4Lusso also debuts the new Infotainment platform featuring a 10.25” HD screen with capacitive touch technology. The new steering wheel is more compact thanks to a smaller air bag and the integrated controls are more ergonomic than ever, making for an even sportier driving experience.

The official world premiere of the GTC4Lusso will be at the Geneva International Motor Show in March, but exclusive images can be seen from today on www.ferrari.com.

Ferrari GTC4Lusso brief technical specification

Engine
Type V12 – 65°
Overall displacement 6262 cc
Max. power output* 507 kW (690 cv) at 8,000 rpm
Max. torque* 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm

Dimensions and weight
Length 4,922 mm
Width 1,980 mm
Height 1,383 mm
Dry weight** 1,790 kg
Weight distribution 47-53% front/rear

Performance
Maximum speed 335 km/h
0-100 km/h 3.4 sec

* With 98 RON petrol
**With optional lightweight contents